The best Christmas markets in Manchester

Iconic wooden chalet stalls line King Street at Christmas, serving delicious street food while old buildings sparkle with festive decorations. Highlights include El Gato Negro's famous chorizo sandwiches with rocket and aioli, Waffle Kart's fried chicken and waffles, and The Great British Cheese Company's waxed truckle cheeses, chutneys, and gift boxes. There's also a bar pouring a selection of craft lagers, ciders, Krombacher, Guinness, sparkling wine, red and white wines, mulled wine, mulled rum, and cocktails.

Throughout Christmas, Saint Ann's Square in Manchester transforms into a bustling German-inspired Christmas market. The area is decorated with glitzy holiday decorations, and wooden huts line the square, serving a variety of street food and drinks. You'll find everything from sweet and savoury pancakes and Bavarian strudels to a gin and cocktail bar, along with German meats, sausages, salamis, and wursts. Alongside the food, there are stalls with handmade gifts like jewellery, candles, and much more

The Corn Exchange is Manchester's oldest Grade II listed building, originally a centre for corn trading. Every year, when Christmas comes around, the area outside its entrance near Selfridges and the Arndale Centre gets transformed into a lively Christmas market. Here, you'll find a variety of arts and crafts stalls with gifts like jewellery, scarves, hats, and festive baubles, along with tasty food options, including hearty pies from local favourite Northern Pie Co. It's also conveniently located right outside the Exchange Square tram stop.

Albert Square Market is one of the most popular areas in Manchester to eat, drink, and celebrate during the festive season. It's chock full of bustling bars and rows of stalls serving street food and holiday gifts. Head to the cosy terrace on the second floor of the two-story Windmill Bar for sweeping views of the twinkling lights and festivities below. There's also a giant lit-up Santa Claus overlooking the celebrations.

Every year at Christmas, Piccadilly Gardens gets turned into the popular family-friendly Winter Gardens, filled with festive bars, food stalls, and craft vendors. Get into the holiday spirit by listening to the local bands, carolers, and DJs spinning Christmas tunes throughout the season. Sip on locally brewed ale alongside a hog roast pork sandwich with sage and onion stuffing and apple sauce served in a barm (a soft white roll). If the weather doesn't play ball, there's a covered marquee to save the day.

Cathedral Gardens is located right next to the iconic Manchester Cathedral and features an ice rink and a festive funfair, making it ideal for family fun. There are lots of excellent food and drink options, including mulled gin and prosecco, as well as indulgent street food like giant Yorkshire puddings filled with a variety of meats as well as pigs in blankets, mini pancakes, waffles, and much more.

Market Street is the bloodline of Manchester's shopping scene and is perfect for browsing high-street stores and finding gifts during the festive season. Throughout Christmas, this pedestrian-friendly street is also home to chalets selling unique gifts such as record clocks and coasters, designer handcrafted silver and glass jewellery, and recycled handmade leather journals, among other treasures.

Brazennose Street comes to life at Christmas, featuring a diverse range of food stalls offering everything from fish and chips to pick 'n' mix and even Christmas pudding gin. You can also enjoy traditional German favourites like goulash, schnitzel, and bratwurst. This is a great option for anyone who finds the nearby Albert Square Christmas Market a bit too busy and would rather steer clear of the crowds.